Rakaa

Though they might not have blown up in the mainstream past their 2004 Kanye West collaboration This Way, Dilated Peoples are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the underground scene. And after much anticipation, one-third of that outfitRakaa Irisciencefinally let his 13-track solo debut, Crown of Thorns, fly this July. With a distinct throwback appeal, Rakaa goes heavy on the lyricism in multiple senses; he maintains a penchant for consistent verbiage without shying away from weightier subject matter, ranging from success to conspiracy theories. And in reality, he has to give his all in order to compliment the hard-hitting beatsbut if bobbing your head gets you to listen to what he has to say, I think Rakaa will be plenty happy. With Lyrics Born, Hi Life Soundsystem, DJ Swervewon. NICK FELDMAN